Impact of gamification on green consumption behavior integrating technological awareness, motivation, enjoyment and virtual CSR

Gamification entails integrating game design elements, including rewards, points, competition, and interactive challenges, into non-game contexts to engage and motivate individuals. In the context of green consumption, gamification can encourage individuals to acquire more sustainable consumption behaviors. The proposed study aims to examine the influence of gamification on green consumption behavior among Chinese university students. However, university students are considered an important target group for such interventions due to their technological savvy and high interest in environmental issues. A self-determination theory (SDT) was used to measure the motivating factors of gamification for adopting green consumption behavior—a convenience sampling technique in which survey-based research designs were used to collect the data. A survey was conducted on a sample of 332 university students in China, using a questionnaire with structural equation modeling (SEM) to test the hypotheses and assess the proposed relationships between the variables. The finding of this study reveals that gamification has a significant negative relation with green consumption behavior. Further, technological awareness, hedonic motivation, and perceived enjoyment significantly mediate the relationship between gamification and green consumption behavior. Additionally, virtual CSR significantly moderates the relationship between gamification and technological awareness, hedonic motivation, and perceived enjoyment. The findings of this study could have implications for the development of more effective interventions for policy makers and industrialists aimed at promoting sustainable consumption behaviors in China.


Self-determination theory
Self-determination theory (SDT) focuses on human motivation and understands the factors that help to drive behavior.Edward Deci and Richard Ryan gave the concept of SDT theory, which states that Individuals have natural psychological needs that create intrinsic drive, personal well-being, and optimal functioning 18 .However, in the context of gamification and green consumption behavior, SDT provides a valuable contribution, as it directs how gamification elements affect the motivation level of individuals and consequently affect their sustainable preferences.According to this theory, humans have three basic psychological needs: autonomy, competence and relatedness; when all of them are fulfilled, it develops the behavior and motivates them to perform the task 19 .Regarding green consumption behavior, it is clarified that when Chinese students find the gamification elements such as rewards, batches, and coupons to perform any sustainable practices are enjoyable, they feel internally motivated to perform the sustainable green practices.Gamification elements provides the autonomy to the Chinese students as they are well aware of the technology and feel enjoyment, match with their value and leisure; ultimately adopts the green consumption behavior.Chinese students feel more competent; when they are well aware of the gamified technology usage and its related benefits to make the eco-friendly environment.Beside this, the hedonic motivation and virtual CSR practices enhance the sense of relatedness (caring for others) to connect the community for green consumption practices.Conclusively, this theory helps to explore how the gamification can either support or delay the individual motivation for the green consumption behavior.It also provides deeper knowledge about how gamification elements promote sustainable green consumption behavior following SDT principles, as our study aligned with past studies [20][21][22] .

Gamification and green consumption behavior
Gamification applies game-like mechanics to boost motivation and involvement in marketing or education 18 .One area where gamification has been applied is in promoting green consumption behavior, which refers to individuals' choices and actions to reduce their environmental impact through sustainable consumption 23 .Gamification can encourage and reinforce green consumption behavior by making sustainable choices more fun, rewarding, and social.A company may create a mobile app that tracks an individual's carbon footprint and provides incentives for reducing it, such as points that can be redeemed for rewards.Moreover, gamified technology creates a loyalty program that rewards customers for making eco-friendly purchases, such as using a reusable coffee cup or buying organic produce 24 .Gamification is used to inform people about how their consumption affects their environmental choices, making them more aware of the consequences of their actions 25 .Games simulate the impact of different energy sources on the environment, helping individuals understand the benefits of renewable energy and the drawbacks of fossil fuels.Overall, gamification can increase engagement and motivation for green consumption behavior, leading to more sustainable choices and reducing environmental impact 26 .
However, it is important to ensure that gamification does not overshadow the underlying environmental goals and values and is used ethically and transparently 27 -one area where gamification has successfully promoted green consumption behavior among young people.Gamification has increased awareness of environmental issues among young people 28 .Through interactive games and challenges, young people can learn about the impact of their daily choices on the environment.This increased awareness can lead to greater responsibility and motivation to change consumption behavior 29 .Gamification can create a sense of community and social connection among young people.By participating in green consumption challenges and games, young people can connect with others who share their values and goals 30 .It also creates a sense of competition, which can motivate some individuals 31 .Young generations are more likely to engage in activities that they find enjoyable and entertaining.By incorporating game elements into sustainability initiatives, young people are more likely to participate and remain engaged in the long term 32 .These games can lead to lasting changes in behavior and a greater sense of responsibility for the environment 33 .As China faces a serious environmental issue, gamification appears to be a viable method for engaging youth in sustainable practices and shaping future interventions that encourage eco-friendly behavior in the younger generation 10 .From the above discussion, we propose that: H 1 Gamification will influence the green consumption behavior in university students.

Technological awareness relation with gamification and green consumption behavior
Gamification is the usage of game design components like points, badges, and leaderboards in situations other than games to engage and motivate users 13 .By incorporating gamification elements into educational or technology-related activities, young individuals are more prone to engage with the content and develop an interest in the subject matter 4 .Gamification helps them to become more aware of different technologies and their applications.Prior studies show that gamification can also make learning about technology more interactive and fun-loving, improving retention rates and encouraging young people to continue learning about technology 34 .Furthermore, literature suggests that gamification can effectively increase technological awareness in young people and make learning about technology more engaging and enjoyable.By making the learning process more interactive and enjoyable, young people are more likely to remember what they have learned and continue seeking new information about technology 35 .Awareness of technology helps to create a positive feedback loop where increased engagement leads to increased learning, and increased learning leads to increased engagement.Prior scholars 36,37 argued that technology awareness helps create a positive feedback loop where increased engagement leads to increased learning and vice versa.However, the prior study results show that gamification can also improve retention rates, introduce young people to new technologies, foster wisdom of competition and achievement, and create a sense of community and collaboration among young people interested in technology 38 .Therefore, gamification has the potential to be an effective tool for building technology awareness and literacy in young people and encouraging them to consider careers in technology-related fields.Based on the discussion, we propose that: H 2a Gamification positively impacts technological awareness.
Technological awareness can also drive green consumption behavior through eco-friendly products.As people become well-informed about the environmental impact of their products, they are more inclined to choose products created from sustainable and biodegradable materials 39 .Prior literature suggested that when people become more informed about the environmental impact of their actions, they are more likely to make choices that align with their values and help protect the environment 40 .The importance of sustainable and environmentally friendly practices has become increasingly evident in past studies, particularly in the wake of climate change and other environmental challenges.Technological awareness has emerged as a key driver of green consumption behavior among young people.Multiple studies are available that used the variable of technology awareness 1,41 , but a dearth of research is available in the context of green consumption behavior 42 .Moreover, it is argued from the prior literature that many young people use technology to educate themselves about the environmental effects and make more informed choices about the products and services they consume 18 .Technological awareness positively influences green consumption behavior by providing access to information about the environmental impact of different products and services 43 .Through social media, news websites, and online forums, young people can learn about the environmental impression of products and services and their actions to reduce their carbon footprint 20 .Technological awareness plays a major role in shaping green consumption behavior among Chinese students by providing access to information, creating a sense of community, and offering tools for tracking.Technological awareness measures environmental impact and empowers young people to be more informed and sustainable.Based on discussions, we propose that: H 2b Technological awareness positively impacts green consumption behavior.
Gamification involves using game mechanics to engage and motivate people to achieve desired outcomes.In green consumption, gamification encourages individuals to adopt environmentally friendly behaviors, such as recycling, conserving energy, and using sustainable products 44 .However, the effectiveness of gamification in promoting green consumption behavior depends on several factors, including technological awareness.Technological awareness refers to an individual's knowledge and familiarity with technology and digital platforms 12  www.nature.com/scientificreports/ of technological awareness, gamification relies on digital platforms to deliver the game mechanics and engage users 45 .However, it is assessed that the effectiveness of gamification in promoting green consumption behavior depends on the users' technological awareness, which is less discussed in the prior studies 46 .In line with the above discussion, it is argued that individuals with high technological awareness are more likely to engage with gamification and adopt environmentally friendly behaviors.Scholars suggested that individuals with high technological awareness are more likely to be comfortable with digital platforms and technology-based interventions, such as gamification 47 .They are also more likely to be motivated to participate in such interventions and engage with the game mechanics.Technological awareness can facilitate communication and social interaction among individuals participating in gamification interventions 48 .Therefore, it is inferred that green consumption behavior would be promoted if Chinese students were aware of gamified technology usage and its environmental impact.
The following hypothesis was derived: H 2c Technological awareness mediates the relationship between gamification and green consumption behavior.

Hedonic motivation relation to gamification and green consumption behavior
Gamification uses game design features in non-game techniques, such as education environments, to participate and motivate people to complete tasks or achieve goals.By incorporating game elements such as rewards, challenges, and social interactions, gamification can make activities more enjoyable and engaging, thus increasing hedonic motivation 33 .Past studies 49 have shown that gamification can increase engagement, motivation, and enjoyment in various contexts, including education, health and fitness, and workplace productivity.Therefore, gamification can enhance hedonic motivation in many different areas of life.Motivation is the drive to pursue pleasure and enjoyment, and gamification uses game-like elements in non-game frameworks to engage and motivate individuals 50 .By incorporating gamification into various activities, such as learning, exercise, or work, young people can feel more motivated and engaged, leading to greater enjoyment and satisfaction.Past research 51 has shown that gamification provides immediate feedback and rewards, which can trigger feelings of pleasure and satisfaction.Additionally, gamification can make tasks more enjoyable by adding elements of challenge, competition, and social interaction, making the task more engaging and stimulating.Past studies supported our arguments that gamification positively impacts hedonic motivation in young generations by making activities more engaging, enjoyable, and rewarding 52 .However, in the Chinese context, it is inferred from the above literature that gamification improves the excitement, joy, and source of perceived pleasure.Based on discussions, we propose that: H 3a Gamification positively impacts hedonic motivation.
Hedonic motivation is defined as the desire to seek pleasure and avoid pain.Green consumption behavior refers to the conscious effort to purchase and use products and services that are environmentally friendly 53 .Consumers who experience positive emotions when using environmentally friendly products are likelier to continue using them.Users who feel good about using a reusable water bottle instead of a disposable one may be likelier to continue using the reusable bottle.This shows that hedonic motivation can be a powerful tool for encouraging green consumption behavior 54 .Marketers and policymakers can leverage this motivation by emphasizing the positive emotions associated with environmentally friendly products and services and highlighting the social benefits of green behavior 55 .Another way that hedonic motivation can positively impact green consumption is by encouraging young people to participate in environmentally friendly activities.These activities can be rewarding in and of themselves, as they provide a sense of accomplishment and contribute to a larger goal of protecting the environment 19 .Furthermore, scholars highlighted that hedonic motivation can be a source to encourage young people to engage in sustainable social behaviors, such as participating in community clean-up events or attending environmental rallies 34 .These activities can provide a sense of belonging and social connection, allowing young people to connect with others who share their values and environmental concerns 56 .Hence, it is argued from the above literature that if Chinese students feel gratitude and pleasure with the usage of green products, they ultimately decide to choose green consumption behavior.From the above discussion, we propose that: H 3b Hedonic motivation will influence the green consumption behavior.
Gamification promotes green consumption by providing a fun and engaging way to learn about environmental issues and encouraging individuals to adopt pro-environmental behaviors 57 .Moreover, gamification can help to overcome barriers to green consumption behavior, such as lack of knowledge and awareness, high costs, and inconvenience.Hedonic motivation can influence individuals' engagement in gamified activities and subsequent green consumption behavior 58 .Hedonic motivation is related to the pleasure and enjoyment individuals derive from participating in a gamified activity.It can enhance individuals' intrinsic motivation to engage in pro-environmental behavior and sustain their engagement over time 59 .In a prior study, participants highly motivated by the enjoyment and excitement of the game were more likely to engage in sustainable behaviors, such as lower energy consumption and public transportation 20 .Similarly, a study by 9 showed that hedonic motivation partially mediated the relationship between gamification and green consumer behavior in the real world.In this study, Chinese students who participated in a gamified eco-driving program reported higher levels of hedonic motivation, which, in turn, led to greater intention to adopt eco-driving behavior.The authors 60 suggested that hedonic motivation can enhance the benefits and enjoyment of eco-driving, increasing individuals' willingness to overcome the perceived costs and barriers of adopting this behavior.Therefore, it is important to design gamified H 3c Hedonic motivation mediates the relationship between gamification and green consumption behavior.

Perceived enjoyment relation with gamification and green consumption behavior
Gamification mentions using game design elements, mechanics, and principles in situations outside of games to inspire and engage people in different activities.Perceived enjoyment is a psychological construct that refers to individuals' subjective experience of pleasure and enjoyment when engaging in an activity 61 .A past study 18 has shown that gamification can enhance perceived enjoyment in various contexts, such as education, health, and fitness.Gamification can effectively raise perceived enjoyment in various contexts by making activities fun, engaging, and motivating 5 .A past study by 56 found that gamification elements in a fitness app increased users' perceived enjoyment and motivation to exercise.Similarly, a study by 62 found that using gamification in an educational setting increased students' perceived enjoyment and participation in the educational process.In young generations, gamification has been used successfully in health and fitness applications to motivate young people to exercise and eat healthily.A study by 15 found a gamified app that tracked physical activity and provided rewards for achieving goals for youth.Gamification increased students' motivation and enjoyment in a psychology course to support our study arguments 63 .Overall, gamification has the potential to impact perceived enjoyment in Chinese students positively, and it is an effective way to motivate and engage them in various contexts.
From the above discussion, we propose that: H 4a Gamification positively impacts perceived enjoyment.
Perceived enjoyment can play a prominent role in determining an individual's green consumption behavior.When individuals enjoy engaging in environmentally friendly activities, they are more likely to adopt sustainable behaviors and make greener choices in their daily lives 64 .A past study 32 showed that individuals who perceive environmentally friendly products are more likely to recycle, reduce waste, and conserve energy.A study by 3 found that people who enjoyed recycling were likelier to engage in recycling behavior.Additionally, our study has shown that incorporating enjoyable elements into sustainable behaviors can increase their adoption.Gamification of sustainable behavior can make it more engaging and appealing, increasing the likelihood of people adopting it 65 .Perceived enjoyment of green consumption behaviors can significantly influence an individual's likelihood of engaging in sustainable behaviors.When young people perceive environmentally friendly behaviors as enjoyable, they are more likely to engage in them 1 .Past studies argued that perceived enjoyment could be a powerful motivator for sustainable behavior 26 .According to the Chinese context, youth tend to be more environmentally conscious and aware of how their actions affect the environment.By incorporating elements of enjoyment and fun into sustainable behaviors, people may be more likely to adopt and sustain these behaviors over time 25 .Hence, from the above literature, perceived enjoyment can play a crucial role in encouraging green consumption behavior in Chinese students and can effectively promote sustainable practices.So, we propose that: H 4b Perceived enjoyment positively impacts green consumption behavior.
In recent years, gamification has been increasingly applied to promote sustainable behaviors, such as green consumption.Green consumption refers to purchasing and using environmentally friendly products and services 19 .In gamification, perceived enjoyment may be enhanced through game design elements, such as challenges, rewards, and feedback, creating an intellect of fun, pleasure, and accomplishment 66 .The use of gamification to promote sustainable behaviors has been increasingly popular, especially among young people, who are more likely to be receptive to digital and interactive solutions.Green consumption behavior, including eco-friendly products and reducing energy consumption, is essential for addressing environmental challenges like climate change and resource depletion 67 .A past study 15 discussed how perceived enjoyment mediates the relationship between gamification and green consumption behavior in young people.Another study 68 showed that a gamified app, which used rewards and feedback to motivate young people to reduce energy consumption at home, resulted in significant energy savings over six months.Similarly, gamification is an educational program that uses game design elements such as challenges and points to teach young people about sustainable behaviors, increasing their knowledge and intention to adopt green consumption practices 69 .Young people, especially students, were more likely to engage in sustainable behaviors when they perceived them as enjoyable and fulfilling.Additionally, a past study 22 investigated the enduring consequences of gamification on sustainable behaviors, and the potential unintended consequences, such as the displacement of other pro-environmental actions, are supported by our study arguments.Although perceived enjoyment has been directly discussed in multiple contexts, such as gamification, motivation, and consumption behavior, its mediating role has not yet been explored 70 .Based on literature arguments, it is concluded that Chinese students would be willing to adopt green consumption behavior if they perceived enjoyment and pleasure from using gamification elements.Hence, we hypothesized that: H 4c Perceived enjoyment mediates the relationship between gamification and green consumption behavior.www.nature.com/scientificreports/

Moderating role of virtual CSR
Virtual CSR (corporate social responsibility) implements CSR initiatives and programs virtually or online 17 .It is a newly introduced concept in the literature, focusing on the virtual aspect of corporate social responsibility.The virtual CSR approach enables companies to engage in socially responsible activities, such as charitable donations, volunteering, and sustainability efforts, while leveraging digital tools to connect with stakeholders and deliver impact 4 .Virtual CSR can take many forms, including online fundraising campaigns, virtual events, and workshops on social and environmental issues.However, it is important to ensure that virtual CSR initiatives align with the company's values and objectives and are executed transparently and ethically 15 .With the rise of technology, virtual CSR has emerged as a way for companies to engage with customers and stakeholders in a virtual environment 71 .Technological awareness refers to an individual's knowledge and understanding of technology and its application toward environmentally friendly products and services.With the help of online platforms, such as social media and online communities, to promote virtual CSR initiatives and engage with customers 72 .Recent research 4 has shown that virtual CSR can positively influence consumer behavior, especially among young generations who are highly connected online.A study by 73 found that virtual CSR can increase the readiness of consumers to pay more for goods and services that are ecologically friendly.According to the SDT theory, organizations are more likely to be involved in virtual CSR efforts when they perceive autonomy in their choices, competence in understanding and participating in CSR activities, and alignment with their intrinsic values 74 .Prior literature argued that the benefits of virtual CSR include increased accessibility and reach, lower costs and reduced environmental impact, and the ability to leverage technology to measure and track impact 75 .
In addition, the previous literature suggested that hedonic motivation influenced consumer behavior through virtual CSR 76 .Virtual CSR initiatives can increase consumers' awareness and knowledge of companies' environmental and social initiatives, reinforcing their environmental attitudes and behaviors 77 .A past study 78 highlighted virtual CSR initiatives that entertained participants through gamification.If it's catchy, it is attractive.In enjoyment, various tactics are obliged to create enhancements 79 .These enhancements are produced by featuring gamification in applications, which creates ease of use and provides enjoyment while accomplishing tasks 62 .Virtual CSR initiatives can create a sense of community among consumers, encouraging them to engage in environmentally friendly behaviors and influencing their peers to do the same 80 .Our study highlights virtual CSR initiatives' importance in enhancing green consumption behavior.The past study 81 endorsed our arguments that companies should prioritize virtual CSR initiatives to engage with young consumers who are highly connected to online platforms, get motivated, and enjoy using technology to develop their environmental and social initiatives.Although virtual CSR has been discussed in various ways, its contribution as a moderator with technological awareness, hedonic motivation, and perceived enjoyment collectively has not yet been discussed in prior studies 27 .Hence, it is inferred from the literature that virtual CSR initiatives can create a sense of community among Chinese students and encourage them to participate proactively, which ultimately reinforces them to adopt environmental attitudes and behaviors 82 .Based on discussions, we propose that: Based on discussions, we propose that: H 5a Virtual CSR positively moderates the relationship between gamification and technological awareness.

H 5b
Virtual CSR positively moderates the relationship between gamification and hedonic motivation.

H 5c
Virtual CSR positively moderates the relationship between gamification and perceived enjoyment.

Measure and methods
Gamification has activated market-interfering devices to satisfy the needs of consumers worldwide, allowing businesses to engage with their clients and establish trends that have a significant impact 45 .In the context of Chinese students, diverse game mechanics, such as badges, levels, leaderboards, progress bars, virtual currency or tokens, awards, trading & giving, and user-to-user challenges, evolve to draw users.This paradigm empowers user instincts for gamification in human-computer interaction.Gamification fosters active user participation, enabling users to receive prizes, find flaws, and exchange ideas via feedback, opening the way for improvement.
Gamification is built with perception to keep users enjoying, aware, and motivated 21 .In this study, the population sample is Chinese university students who are often considered highly educated and well aware of technology adoption and multiple usages.Hence, the data were collected from students across the top six universities in Beijing, China, including undergraduates, postgraduates, and researcher scholars.Data were collected from university students through online questionnaires from February to March 2023.Online surveys have become popular due to their convenience and accessibility, particularly among the younger generation in China 83 .For online data collection, Wenjuanxing and sojump platforms in China's most commonly used 84 .Students who use mobile technology but are less aware of gamification techniques to enhance green consumption behavior are excluded from the current study.A total of 430 questionnaires were distributed, and 359 completed questionnaires were returned.All questionnaires returned underwent rigorous screening for missing values, multivariate outliers, and unengaged responses.Subsequently, 27 cases were discarded, leaving 332 usable cases for analysis-equating to an 83% usable response rate.According to Roscoe's (1975), a sample size greater than 30 and less than 500 is most suitable for behavioral and marketing research 85 .So, we have chosen a sample size within a range of 30-500 to get the authenticity of the current study.The researcher briefed the university students about the research agenda and guaranteed the maintenance of anonymity of personal information.A convenient sampling technique was used as an effective medium to get the appropriate results with ease to access the respondents 86 .Despite the less generalizability of results convenience sampling method is used due to easy access to the respondents and its relevance to the measurement item 4 .Hence, convenience sampling is not a major concern for our study.According to the demographic survey, female students (56%) are more inclined towards the usage of online shopping platforms than male members (44%).This study is free from common method bias as we have applied the CFA (confirmatory factor analysis) techniques to minimize the bias effect and also collected the data from multiple sources such as Wenjuanxing and Josump platforms.Similarly, the details of other demographic factors are shown below in Table 1.

Measurements of items
Further, the current study was assessed through a self-administered questionnaire that shows the relationship among variables.For this purpose, the questionnaire is divided into two sections: the first part represents the demographic information, including age, gender, and qualification, described in Table 1.At the same time, the second part of the questionnaire is based on constructs adopted from existing studies.To measure the gamification (GAM) variable, nine items were adapted from a prior study 87 and modified to the Chinese university students' context.However, the term GAM is defined as a technique that uses game design elements in nongame contexts to engage and motivate individuals to achieve specific goals.Similarly, we measured the Green www.nature.com/scientificreports/consumption behavior (GCB) with five items derived from 1 and adapted with minor modifications from the online service sector to the Chinese university student context.It is defined as making or purchasing environmentally friendly products 88 .To measure hedonic motivation (HMOT), five items were adapted from 89 to the Chinese university students' context, which is defined as the desire to seek pleasure and avoid pain 10 .Moreover, a six-item scale from 13 was adopted to measure technological awareness (TAW) from the same Chinese student context.However, the term is defined as an individual's knowledge and familiarity with technology and digital platforms 90 .To measure perceived enjoyment (PENJ), three items were adapted from 56 and slightly changed to the current Chinese students' context to get more appropriate responses.PENJ is also defined as the degree to which someone feels or perceives enjoyment with technology.Lastly, virtual CSR's four items were measured by 70 , and minor changes were made in the context of scale.It is also defined as the use of virtual platforms such as social media and online communities to promote CSR initiatives and engage with customers 91 .All the above variables are measured on a Likert scale ranging from 1 = Highly Disagree, 2 = Disagree, 3 = Neutral, 4 = Agree, and 5 = Highly Agree.Likewise, the demographic information is assessed on a dichotomous scale such as 1 = yes, 2 = No.Details are provided in appendix A.

Ethics statements and declarations
We confirm that all methods were carried out in accordance with relevant guidelines and regulations.Humans who participated in this study are aware of the purpose of the study, and their confidential information is not to be shared with anyone.All study participants provided their written informed consent.Study data is used after the consent of participants.The questionnaire used in this study started with the declaration and purpose of the study.Experimental protocol was approved by the ethical review board of the Beijing university of technology.

Analysis and Results
The current study used partial least squares structural equation modeling (PLS-SEM) to measure the theoretical framework in two aspects i.e., measurement model and structural model, with the help of Smart-PLS 4.0 software 92 .Confirmatory factor analysis, path analysis, regression models, and correlation structure models are the central applications of smart-PLS-SEM 93 .The Smart PLS-SEM method enables testing complicated models with multi-level effects, such as interactions between variables in other complex models and roles as mediators 94 .
This study used the partial-least-squares (PLS-SEM) technique for testing and measuring the developed model based on the data from the body of scientific literature that is currently available and the discussion above.A structural model is used to show links between the components, while a multivariate statistical technique known as partial-least-squares is used to evaluate the measurement model synchronously 95 .This study employed the Smart PLS-SEM 4.0 for data screening, analysis, and following the assumptions.This study used the bootstrapping and PLS algorithm approaches to measure construct loadings, path coefficients, and weights to evaluate the significant levels.

Measurement model
The measurement model tested discriminant, reliability, and convergent validity among defined constructs 94 .This study used the Smart PLS algorithm tool to determine each item's reliability and the measurement assessment of the model, as shown in Fig. 2.However, in PLS-SEM reliability of any construct is measured in terms of Cronbach's alpha, composite reliability (CR), and average variance extracted (AVE).It is represented by Cronbach's alpha (α), which shows the internal consistency among desired constructs introduced by Lee Cronbach's 96 .It shows inter-item correlation, which represents how much items of the variable are closely related to each other.High correlations among variables increase Cronbach's alpha, but a value of 1 indicates greater consistency and reliability.A Cronbach's alpha of 0.70 and above is acceptable for reliability measurement, while values above 0.70 are recommended for a good model 97 .See Fig. 2 that explains model's estimation.Moreover, Table 2 shows that all the values of Cronbach's Alpha (α) are above the threshold of 0.70, representing the data's accuracy and reliability.Similarly, the composite reliability (CR) value is also above the significant range of 0.70, which shows the high internal consistency among all items of each variable 98 .The main aim of composite reliability is to assess each construct's reliability by measuring outer loading values in data 94 .Similarly, convergent validity is assessed using the average variance extraction (AVE) method, which measures the variance among latent constructs with a threshold value of 0.5 and excellent above 0.70 99 .In the current study, all the values of AVE are above the threshold of 0.5.
The concept of discriminant validity refers to the degree to which different variables in a model are distinct from one another.This is typically assessed by examining cross-loading values using two common criteria: the Fornell-Larcker criterion and the Heterotrait-Monotrait ratio (HTMT) 100 .However, HTMT is considered a superior method to Fornell-Larcker criteria because it shows clearer discrimination among constructs 101 .In the study, all the HTMT values are also within range and considered acceptable for discriminant validity.Table 3 shows discriminant validity values.

Structure model
In PLS-SEM, the structural model represents the relationships among latent variables in the conceptual model.To access direct and indirect relationships between the constructs, this study applies structural equation modeling (SEM) 102 with partial least squares (PLS)-a more appropriate way to predict and explore structural relationships 103 as it provides access to full and partial mediation 96 .Similarly, the variance inflation factor (VIF) is evaluated for more appropriate results, which displays the multicollinearity among constructs 104 .The acceptable range of multicollinearity is less than 5, which shows that all the variables in the study are highly correlated.www.nature.com/scientificreports/ The bootstrapping method was used to resample with a setting of 5000 resamples and a 95% bias correction to examine the significance of the structural path coefficients and coefficients of determination R 2105 .However, Table 4 shows the result of bootstrapping in the model, which shows that all direct and indirect variables show significant relationships.Gamification negatively impacts green consumption behavior with values (β = − 0.082, t = 2.759, and p < 0.05), as supported by H1.Furthermore, gamification significantly impacts technological awareness with values (β = 0.285, t = 4.841, and p < 0.05), as validated by H2a.Technological awareness positively impacts green consumption behavior (β = 0.713, t = 11.490, and p < 0.05), as supported by H2b.Gamification significantly impacts hedonic motivation with values (β = 0.437, t = 7.536, and p < 0.05), as validated by H3a.Hedonic motivation negatively impacts green consumption behavior (β = − 0.077, t = 2.891, and p < 0.05), as supported by H3b.Gamification significantly impacts perceived enjoyment with values (β = 0.247, t = 4.203, and p < 0.05), as validated by H4a.Perceived enjoyment negatively impacts green consumption behavior (β = 0.170, t = 2.694, and p < 0.05), as supported by H4b.
We illustrated the graphs to enlighten the outcomes of moderating the role of virtual CSR.Figures 4, 5 and  6 show that virtual CSR moderates the association between gamification and technological awareness, hedonic motivation, and perceived enjoyment.Figure 4, describes the moderating role of virtual CSR between gamification and technological awareness.The prominent point on the moderation graphs is where gamification and technological awareness are stronger under high virtual CSR. Figure 5, elucidates the moderating role of virtual CSR between gamification and hedonic motivation.The prominent point on the moderation graphs is where gamification and hedonic motivation are stronger under high virtual CSR. Figure 6, clarifies the moderating role of virtual CSR between gamification and perceived enjoyment.The distinguished point on the moderation graphs is where gamification and perceived enjoyment are stronger under high virtual CSR.Hence, it also supported H5a, H5b, and H5c.

Discussion
The internet has developed into practical information in the twenty-first century, changing the traditional global system into online applications 107 .In order to increase motivation, enjoyment, and awareness, gamification involves integrating game concepts such as websites, online communities, and other online applications.www.nature.com/scientificreports/Gamification aims to engage people and encourage them to cooperate with other people 108 .The main goal of the current study is to inspect the influence of gamification on green consumption behavior in the young generation of China through technological awareness, hedonic motivation, and perceived enjoyment.Additionally, it inspects the moderating role of virtual CSR between gamification and technological awareness and hedonic motivation and perceived enjoyment towards green consumption behavior.Data was gathered from 332 students who are using online platforms.The questionnaires were given to the targeted sample to get their opinion about gamification use in green consumption behavior.The results are deliberated in five major portions: first, the findings indicate that gamification significantly negatively influences green consumption behavior.Gamification can be an active strategy for encouraging green consumption behavior, as it provides users with immediate feedback, social recognition, and intrinsic motivation to engage in sustainable behaviors 109 .A study by 21 examined the impact of gamification on household energy conservation.They developed a gamified mobile app that gave users feedback on their energy use, offered energy-saving tips, and rewarded them with virtual badges and points for reducing their consumption, supporting our study arguments.With the help of our study findings, gamification can be useful for promoting sustainable behavior with the help of technological awareness.Still, it should be designed and implemented carefully to maximize its effectiveness and avoid unintended consequences.www.nature.com/scientificreports/Second, this study investigated the mediating role of technological awareness between gamification and green consumption behavior.The results show that the relation between gamification and green consumption behavior is significantly mediated by technological awareness, which the prior literature confirms 65 .A prior study also highlighted that technological awareness referred to increasing awareness of environmental issues; there has been a growing interest in green consumption behavior, which involves making eco-friendly choices when purchasing products and services 110 .Consumers use mobile applications to scan product barcodes and obtain information about the products through technological awareness, giving individuals easy access to information about sustainable practices and products 69 .As technology advances, harnessing its power to promote a sustainable living environment and protect sustainable consumption behavior is essential.
Thirdly, this study inspected the mediating role of hedonic motivation between gamification and green consumption behavior.The results show that the relationship between gamification and green consumption behavior is significantly mediated by hedonic motivation established by the prior literature 53 .A past study 111 highlighted that gamification involves game design and mechanics to motivate and engage people in activities.It has increasingly been used to promote sustainable behavior.Hedonic motivation and gamification created a sense of enjoyment and pleasure in engaging in green consumption behavior.A past study 46 also expressed that gamification created a sense of achievement and competition that is pleasurable and enjoyable for individuals.Fourthly, this study investigated the mediating role of perceived enjoyment between gamification and green consumption behavior.The results show that the relation between gamification and green consumption behavior is significantly mediated by perceived enjoyment, which the prior literature confirms 21 .Past research 79 has shown that perceived enjoyment is the extent to which individuals derive pleasure or enjoyment from a particular activity or experience.A prior study 112 highlighted that individuals who enjoy the gamified experience are more likely to engage in sustainable behaviors.People who perceive green products and services as enjoyable are likelier to engage in such behavior.They may also be more willing to pay more for environmentally friendly goods and services 62 .
Fifth, this study considered the moderating role of virtual CSR between gamification and technological awareness, hedonic motivation, and perceived enjoyment towards green consumption behavior.The results show that the relation between technological awareness, hedonic motivation, and perceived enjoyment is significantly moderated by virtual CSR, which the prior literature confirms 17 .Past research 70 highlighted that virtual CSR refers to companies using online platforms and digital technologies to engage with their stakeholders and  www.nature.com/scientificreports/demonstrate their commitment to social responsibility, including social media campaigns and virtual events.Individuals with higher technological awareness and motivation are likely to be aware of the environmental impact of their activities and be more inclined to adopt green consumption practices 72 .A past study 4 motivated individuals to enjoy sustainable practices through digital platforms such as virtual CSR that can help reinforce positive environmental attitudes and behaviors.Virtual CSR leads to enjoyment through online campaigns to promote sustainable consumption practices that can encourage individuals to adopt green behaviors.

Conclusion and policy recommendations
Chinese university students are encouraged to engage in sustainable behavior by using gamification.Businesses can use technical savvy, hedonic motivation, perceived joy, and virtual CSR to accomplish this goal.Businesses may increase consumer engagement and enjoyment while encouraging sustainability by integrating gamification into their marketing efforts.The current research study aims to describe the role of gamification on green consumption behavior through technological awareness, hedonic motivation, and perceived enjoyment.Additionally, this study inspects the moderating role of virtual CSR between gamification and technological awareness, hedonic motivation, and perceived enjoyment towards green consumption behavior.The research study has a five-fold contribution; first, gamification significantly negatively influences green consumption behavior.Second, technological awareness significantly mediates the relationship between gamification and green consumption behavior.Third, hedonic motivation significantly mediates the relationship between gamification and green consumption behavior.Fourth, perceived enjoyment significantly mediates the relationship between gamification and green consumption behavior.Fifth, virtual CSR significantly moderates the relationship between gamification and technological awareness, hedonic motivation, and perceived enjoyment of green consumption behavior.Young Chinese consumers are motivated to make ecologically responsible purchasing decisions using gamification; therefore, policymakers and companies should take advantage of this strategy.
In accordance with the SDT theory, this study strengthens students' intrinsic motivation by providing autonomy to use the gamification elements and get perceived enjoyment, which derives from their decision-making to opt the green consumption behavior.As per our available knowledge, it is considered the first study in relation to gamification and green consumption behavior that has focused on SDT theory to widen the theory literature elements such as autonomy, competence, and relatedness.However, this study provides new insights as a major  www.nature.com/scientificreports/contribution to the literature of consumer psychology and information technology with the support of SDT theory.Besides all these factors, Chinese students are motivated to make ecologically responsible purchasing decisions using gamification; therefore, policymakers and companies should take advantage of this strategy.Encourage the integration of gamified applications and platforms that raise technological awareness about environmental issues.Policymakers should support initiatives that leverage technology to inform and educate consumers about the environmental consequences of their choices.Develop and implement policies that stimulate hedonic motivation for green consumption.Hedonic motivation promotes eco-friendly leisure activities through tax breaks or discounts for green entertainment options.Encourage businesses to incorporate enjoyable and engaging elements into sustainable practices.Policymakers should work with companies to design and market green products and services in ways that make them more appealing to consumers.Recognize the moderating role of virtual CSR in promoting green consumption behavior.Policymakers should encourage companies to invest in virtual CSR initiatives, including social and environmental commitments in the virtual space, as part of their corporate responsibility strategies.Support educational programs that teach young generations about the importance of green consumption and the role of gamification by incorporating environmental education into university curricula or providing online courses and resources for adults.By implementing these policy implications, governments and other relevant stakeholders can harness the power of gamification to influence green consumption behavior and contribute to a more sustainable future.

Theoretical and practical implications
This study contributes to the theoretical understanding of the relationship between gamification and green consumer behavior, and it highlights the potential of gamification techniques to promote sustainable consumption practices.This finding adds to the existing literature on consumer behavior and sustainability by introducing gamification as a novel approach to encourage environmentally friendly choices.It suggests that individuals more aware of technology and its potential for promoting sustainability are more likely to engage in green consumption behaviors facilitated by gamification.This finding highlights the need for education and awareness programs that promote technological literacy in the context of sustainability.The study explores the role of hedonic motivation and perceived enjoyment as underlying mechanisms through which gamification influences green consumption behavior.Showing that individuals derive pleasure and enjoyment from engaging in gamified activities promoting sustainability sheds light on the psychological factors that drive pro-environmental behavior.This finding contributes to the understanding of the motivational aspects of sustainable consumption and provides insights into the design of gamified interventions.Moreover, in line with the SDT theory, this study supports the student's motivation by providing autonomy and competence to use the gamification elements and get the perceived enjoyment, which ultimately enhances their decision-making to choose the eco-friendly behavior.The study introduces the concept of virtual corporate social responsibility (CSR) as a moderating factor in the relationship between gamification and green consumption behavior.It suggests that the positive impact on green consumption behavior is strengthened when gamified interventions incorporate virtual CSR elements, such as virtual rewards or recognition for sustainable actions.This finding underscores the importance of incorporating CSR practices into gamification strategies to enhance their effectiveness in promoting sustainability.
The findings of this study have practical implications for the design of gamified interventions aimed at promoting green consumption behavior.By emphasizing the role of hedonic motivation and perceived enjoyment, practitioners can focus on developing gamified experiences that are engaging, fun, and enjoyable for users.It is vital for educators, marketers, and policymakers to recognize the role of hedonic motivation in promoting sustainable behavior and to develop strategies that can leverage this motivation to encourage more sustainable consumption practices among individuals.Furthermore, incorporating virtual CSR elements into gamification strategies can enhance their effectiveness by providing additional incentives and rewards for sustainable actions.The study highlights the importance of technological awareness in facilitating green consumption behavior through gamification.Practitioners can develop educational programs and initiatives that enhance individuals' understanding of technology and its potential for promoting sustainability.These programs can target different age groups and demographics to ensure widespread technological literacy, enabling individuals to make informed choices and actively participate in gamified sustainability initiatives.Organizations implementing gamified interventions to promote green consumption should collaborate with existing CSR initiatives.Organizations implementing gamified interventions to promote green consumption should collaborate with existing CSR initiatives.By aligning their efforts, organizations can leverage the reputation and credibility of CSR programs to enhance the impact of gamification on consumer behavior.This collaboration can incorporate virtual CSR elements into gamified experiences and highlight the real-world environmental impacts of consumers' actions, reinforcing their sense of social responsibility.Organizations should focus on creating games that provide a sense of achievement, competition, and social interaction, which can increase inspiration and satisfaction among participants.In education, schools and universities developed eco-friendly mobile applications or online games encouraging users to adopt sustainable behaviors.

Limitations and future directions
This study has several limitations that should be addressed in future research.Firstly, the study was limited to the young generation of China, and the findings may not be generalizable to other age groups or cultural contexts.Secondly, this study used self-reported data, which might have been biased toward social desirability.Future research could use objective measures of green consumption behavior to overcome this limitation.Thirdly, this study did not consider the role of other factors, such as social norms or perceived interactive control, which could influence green consumption behavior.Future research could examine the interaction between these factors and gamification in promoting sustainable consumption behavior.Fourthly, this study did not explore the long-term 13:21751 | https://doi.org/10.1038/s41598-023-48835-6

Figure 1
Figure 1 explains the research model below, which depicts the literature review mentioned above.

Table 1 .
Demographic details of respondents.